Eight things every couple argues about!

Relationships

Oct 9, 2014

All couples will argue. We guarantee it. It’s a fact of life. Your friend/colleague/sister might look like she has the perfect relationship, but you’re only seeing things from the outside.

As long as you’re not at each other’s throats every moment of the day, don’t worry. A little bit of arguing is healthy – and making up isn’t too bad either!

Here are nine things you and your partner have definitely had a spat about at one point or another, just like every other couple on earth!

1. Whose turn it is to do the crappiest chores
“Well, I just went to Tesco to buy milk so you can take out the bins, okay?” Those are NOT the same thing! Certain chores are definitely less desirable than others – namely anything to do with bins, smelly laundry or gone-off food.

2. Hogging the bed/duvet
This argument usually happens about 3am and you probably won't even remember it in the morning. It starts with angry grumblings from one of you, along with a sharp yank of the duvet back to the “right” side of the bed. MINE!

3. What to watch on Netflix
Having hundreds of films to choose from might seem like a good thing but it’s actually the devil’s work. Aside from picking a film, there’s the added stress of finding the comfiest couch position, deciding what to eat and of course poking your partner in the arm anytime he looks like he’s falling asleep.

4. Having your phone out at inappropriate times
There’s nothing more romantic than sitting in silence at a restaurant while your other half scrolls through Facebook on their phone. “Just two more minutes, I need to finish this WhatsApp group chat about training tomorrow night.” Great, so you should be finished in time for dessert?

5. Flirty Facebook comments
“Why did you write ‘Great picture!’ on her photo? What does that mean? Are you two friends or something?” We all get a little jealous and irrational from time to time and social media can make things even worse. There’s no way around this one except for a little understanding from both sides.

6. The snooze button addiction
If one of you is a natural early riser, it can be hard to get used to your other half’s insistence on pressing snooze five times each morning. That beep-beep-beep sound will haunt you for the rest of the day!

7. Not making an effort with your partner’s friends
This is a hard one to work through as it takes a lot of compromise. Much as the two of you might get along, that doesn’t mean he has to click with your friends, too. Even if they’ll never be besties, it’s important to make an effort all the same.

8. Excessive farting
Usually from his side, we hope! Whether he cracks one out loudly while you’re eating dinner, or unleashes a Dutch Oven on you in bed, there’s no escaping the fact that men seem to adore their own farts. Grin and bear it – at least he wants to share!

Random occasions you should celebrate with your man!

Relationships

Oct 8, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Events like birthdays, Valentine’s and Christmas are great excuses to show our other half just how much they mean to us. But for the rest of the year, it’s easy to slack off when it comes to our relationship.

Little touches like a sweet note or a surprise gift don’t take much effort but they go a long way toward keeping that spark alive.

Here are some random occasions that we believe should be celebrated or marked in some way – if anything else it’s an excuse to have some fun together!

1. The anniversary of your first date
Forget the day you two met or became a couple, your first date was where it all really kicked off. Why not re-create the night once a year? It’ll be much more fun without that first-date awkwardness, we promise!

2. A “skipping the gym” night
No matter how much you enjoy that post-workout buzz (if it even exists) sometimes you both just need to take an evening to relax, eat pizza and enjoy each other’s company. Maybe you do this every night, anyway – it’s still worth celebrating!

3. Laundry night
Woo-hoo, dirty clothes! Throw on some epic Eighties power ballads, get the washing and drying done and sit around in those weirdly-fitting trackie bottoms you always wear when nothing else is clean. Who needs glamour, anyway?

4. An “I can’t be bothered to cook” night
When you’re wrecked after work and really can’t face the kitchen, make a date night out of it! Head out for an impromptu dinner, order in, or if your bank balance is low have a bit of craic making weird sandwiches out of whatever’s left in the cupboard. Tayto and banana sambo anyone?

5. The end of your period
It’s over for another month – get to the bedroom! Enough said.

6. Your “moving in together” anniversary
You’ve survived each other for a year (or two, or three), it’s time to celebrate. We reckon this one calls for a bottle of wine and a delish dinner together at the very least.

7. The anniversary of your first takeaway
It’s a big thing ordering in together, you know. It means you’ve let your guard down and are willing to let him see just how much Kung Pao Chicken you deem as “one portion.” What better way to mark this very significant event than with more takeaway?!

8. Your 100^th Tuesday together
If you find official “one year” anniversaries a bit cringey, wait a bit longer and celebrate your 100^th week together. One hundred is a pretty huge number – we reckon it’s worth making a big deal out of it!

The seven types of break-up you experience in your twenties!

Relationships

Oct 2, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Our college years and twenties are a time for getting to know ourselves and what we really want from a relationship. Sadly, that means we’ll probably all go through at least one split, if not many more, before finding The One.

Here are a few types of break-ups you’re definitely likely to experience at one point or another – some painful, some just plain ridiculous!

1. The one where he just disappears
You two have been seeing each other for a few weeks, maybe you’ve even gone on a couple of dates and met all his pals. Then all of a sudden – nothing. You stop hearing from him altogether and after a couple of tentative texts from your side (any more than that is excessive!) you decide to just chalk this one down to experience and move on.

2. The one that just ran out of steam
Let’s face it, you were never really into this guy to begin with. You’ve had a few fun nights together, he’s totally sound and makes you laugh but there’s just no spark. Over time the gaps between your meetings become longer and longer until he’s just that lad who pops up on your Facebook feed every once in a while. No bad blood!

3. The one that happens by text
If a relationship ends by text it was probably never a goer to begin with – regardless of who’s the one doing the texting. It’s more of a courtesy goodbye so that the dumper doesn’t feel totally cold-hearted. Fingers crossed that the dumpee has the good sense to take it well and not spend the next few days sending song lyrics and thoughtful pieces of prose.

4. The one where you both know it’s coming
Mutual break-ups can be the most painful. You’ve both come to realise that your relationship needs to end, but discussing the reasons why can be unexpectedly painful. Expect to feel more than a little heartbroken after this, but know it’s for the best.

5. The one that goes on…and on…
This one can be a total headwrecker. First comes the break-up, along with all the tears, drama and re-adjustment, and then before you know it, the two of you are back together and trying to work things out. Which is totally fine until the whole cycle happens again two months later. Just finish it already!

6. The one with tears from all sides
Maybe one of you is moving away for work or college, or maybe it’s just not working out, but either way there’s going to be tears. These kind of break-ups are the hardest as you both end up comforting each other, which can lead to kissing, cuddling and the inevitable break-up sex. Just be clear on what each of you wants before you wake up naked beside each other the next morning!

7. The one where you never want to see him again
Think crying, screaming and possible flinging of objects across the room. Whether one party has cheated or has just been a total idiot, try to keep this break-up short and sweet rather than getting caught shouting at each other for hours about old issues.

Eight highly stressful thoughts every Tinder user has had!

Oct 1, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Ah, Tinder. We’re never sure if we love it or absolutely despise it. Sure, it offers singles a whole new market for finding potential dates, but sometimes it’s all just way too much bother.

What if that guy you just swiped left for could actually have been the love of your life? We can’t be dealing with that kind of pressure every time we use it!

Here are some of the thoughts that run through every Tinder user’s head at one time or another…

1. I need to look good in my profile picture. But not TOO good.
Creating your Tinder profile is an extremely stressful process. “Do I go with this HILARIOUS night out picture where I look like a fun-loving gal even though my make-up’s a mess? Or do I go with this standard selfie where I look kinda pretty but very dull? Maybe I’ll just put a picture of myself looking pensive on a beach to show I’m totally above this whole online dating thing.” So many choices.

2. I have to write a blurb? Oh nooooo.
“A quote? A witty one-liner? Some facts about myself? Oh god, this is impossible. I’ll just leave it blank, that way I’ll seem aloof and mysterious.”

3. I have no matches yet. I give up. I’m going to be an old cat lady.
It always takes a while for your profile to pop up on other people’s radars. That waiting period where you have no matches whatsoever despite going totally overboard with your right-swipes is hellish. But just give it time!

4. Oh, this guy has a picture of him and his ex-girlfriend. Charming.
Nothing screams “I’m on the rebound!” more than a profile picture showing someone cozying up to their ex. Yes, ok sir, it’s proof that you are capable of love. Well done you.

5. Uh-oh. A group picture. What are the odds he’s the one hot guy?
Lads love to choose a group shot as their profile snap, to show how “up for the craic” they are. Problem is, it’s impossible to tell who’s who – especially if all of his pics are in groups. If he can’t be bothered to take one solo pic, he’s probably not worth the effort.

6. OMG A MATCH! SHOULD I MESSAGE HIM?
Sometimes the stars align and that hottie you swiped right for clearly felt the same about you. Rejoice! Now comes the choice – wait around until he messages or send him one yourself. Our opinion? It’s online dating. What have you got to lose? He’ll probably love the fact you made the first move!

7. We’re going on a date. Is it going to be super awkward?
Even though you’ve seen a few pictures of your match, meeting someone from Tinder is essentially like going on a blind date. Rather than messaging for weeks on end, try to get out there and actually meet as soon as possible. That way you can get to know each other in person! Sure, the first few minutes will be a tad awkward and you’ll probably trip over your words saying hello to him. But who cares?

8. What if we fall in love? Do I have to tell my granny we met on Tinder?
Even though practically every second person is using it, there’s still a little bit of a stigma about being a Tinder couple. You can either mutter incoherently about “meeting on a night out” whenever someone asks or you can hold your head high and tell the truth!

Seven signs he’s serious about your relationship!

Relationships

Sep 30, 2014

by Amber Saunders

When you’ve been seeing a guy for a while and are in that awkward place between being casual and being a full-on couple, it can be hard to tell what his intentions are.

Sure, he might stay at yours every so often, but how can you figure out if he actually wants something long-term?

Here are a few tell-tale signs to look out for…

1. Your dates aren’t just same old, same old
At the beginning of a relationship the easiest date options are drinks, dinner or a movie. When he starts talking about doing different things together or wants to show you his favourite hang-out spots, take it as a sign that he’s trying to let you into his world. You’re not just another girl, you’re someone he wants to share more of himself with.

2. He checks in with you about your plans
If he’s “casually” checking what your plans are for the weekend, it’s a sure sign he wants to spend more time with you. We’re not saying you automatically need to start spending every waking moment together, but the fact that he’s considering you in his plans means you’re a priority for him.

3. He talks about you when you’re not there
When you really like someone, they’re in your head all the time, and it’s only natural you’d start throwing their name into conversation. Whether one of your pals gives you the tip-off or whether he off-handedly mentions a conversation he had involving you, the fact that he’s chatting to others about you is a sure sign he’s into you.

4. He’s happy to sit through your fave TV shows, just because
It’s one thing to try to get into your good books before the two of you have had sex, but if you’ve already done the deed and he’s still got no problem catching up on three episodes of Great British Bake Off with you, then he’s a keeper. The fact that he’s still trying to score brownie points even though you’ve been seeing each other a while means he really wants to keep on your good side. Aaaw!

5. He stays for breakfast
If he likes to stick around in the mornings and relax with you rather than legging it out the door, it means he’s not just in this for fun. He values your time and company and can’t wait to get to know you better.

6. It’s not just about sex for him
In an ideal world, none of us would ever feel pressured into having sex with a new person before we were ready, but unfortunately that’s not always the case. If your new guy doesn’t mind waiting until you feel more secure, it shows he cares about your feelings too. Likewise, if he doesn’t disappear off the face of the earth the second the two of you actually do have sex, that’s a sign he’s not just in this for one thing only.

7. He wants to meet the people you care about
Whether it means coming along to Friday night drinks with your ladies, or meeting your parents for dinner, he’s happy to meet the people who are important to you, and he wants to make a good impression.

Study shows online dating is not all it’s cracked up to be!

Relationships

Sep 30, 2014

by Amber Saunders

The modern dating world would be nothing without Tinder, Plenty of Fish, eHarmony and co. Right? Well, maybe not!

A new study carried out by Michigan University reveals that dating online might not be the answer to finding true love.

Couples who met on the internet are in fact more likely to break up than those who meet offline, and they are also less likely to get married.

The research also showed that online dating isn't the most effective way to find a romantic partner. It generally takes couples longer to initiate a relationship if they've met through a dating site than if they've met in real life.

So that drunken shift at Coppers might be more likely to be The One than that potential date from Tinder? Possibly… but the research also suggests that the reason online dating fails is that we take it less seriously than we should.

Regardless of how you meet, the study notes that key to a successful romance is how long you spend getting to know each other and how much value couples place in their new relationship. "This leads to greater stability… which in turn increases the odds of them staying together in the long run," said the study's author Aditi Paul.

Sounds like a no-brainer to us!

Famous couple confirm romance and they are so cute!

Celebrity

Sep 18, 2014

by Amber Saunders

It’s official – Lucy Hale IS dating Lawson drummer hottie, Adam Pitts.

Rumours about the pair dating have been circulating for a few weeks now but we reckon this hand-holding just about seals the deal!

While Pretty Little Liars actress Lucy is still acting coy on her Instagram account, her drummer boyfriend has no problem sharing photos of them hanging out together.

Aww, very cute you guys!

Cheryl’s hubby cosied up with daughter of VERY famous actor

Celebrity

Aug 31, 2014

by Amber Saunders

He met and fell hopelessly in love with his future wife Cheryl in South Africa on New Year’s Eve.

But mere days before, Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini was cuddling up to the daughter of Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood in New York!

That was a very busy Christmas for the French businessman!

Aspiring actress Francesca, 21, posted a series of pictures to her Instagram page from her time in New York with Jean-Bernard over Christmas 2013.

Below the snap of them in front of the Christmas tree, Francesca wrote, “Sometimes missing your flight home is a blessing #NYC #christmastime.”

In another picture Francesca smiled as she wrapped her arms around Jean-Bernard at the top of the Empire State Building.

And in a third photograph, the pair cosied up around a table for dinner with a group of friends, smiling and holding hands.

The snaps were posted only days after the aspiring actress annulled her week-long marriage to record producer Jordan Feldtein, after marrying in a small ceremony in Vegas on November 17th.

While the snaps definitely have the look of a holiday romance, a source close to Jean-Bernard said he and Franceca were just friends.

Hmmmm…if you say so!

R-Patz’s new girlfriend bows out of EP

Celebrity

Aug 30, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Robert Pattinson apparently has a new woman in his life – singer FKA Twigs.

The actor and the singer are said to have been seeing each other for over a month, and this is the first serious relationship for Robert since splitting from Kristen Stewart.

Robert is said to be smitten and has even flown the singer out to stay with him in New York.

FKA Twigs, whose original name is Tahliah Barnett, released her debut album LP1, featuring single Pendulum, earlier this year.

The singer was due to play at Electric Picnic this weekend but has cancelled after losing her voice.

Actress splits from long-term boyfriend

Celebrity

Aug 30, 2014

by Amber Saunders

House of Cards star Kate Mara has split from her actor boyfriend Max Minghella after four years together

The couple were snapped looking happy together earlier this summer, but 31-year-old Kate and Max, 28, are said to have called quits on their romance.

The actress went to the Emmy awards without The Internship actor by her side on Monday.

Kate was nominated for 'Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series', but it was Allison Janney who took home the award for her role in Masters of Sex.

Not a good week for the actress!

Before he started dating Kate, Max was previously in a relationship with DJ and model Leigh Lezark.

We hope the pair are OK, break-ups are never easy!

Celebrity couple are back together after heartbreaking split!

Celebrity

Aug 24, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Corrie star Brooke Vincent well and truly put those Niall Horan romance rumours to bed by getting back with her ex!

Brooke and footballer beau Josh McEachran have rekindled their relationship after a three-month split and friends are crossing fingers it’s for good this time!

Josh apparently made the move to win back Brooke, who’s been getting over their break-up by partying in Ibiza over the summer with pal Michelle Keegan.

The couple met up again at the funeral of good friend Jordan Tabor who fell from a balcony while on holiday in Turkey.

Afterwards, Brooke tweeted, “Words can’t describe. Rest in Peace. Days like this put everything into perspective. Life is too short.”

The pair first got together three years ago after meeting through another mutual pal, Reece Brown, brother of former Manchester United player Wes.

Brooke previously gushed about her beau saying, “We click. He gets me. I’m dead loud and he’s so much quieter and reserved. I said to him, ‘I bet when I came into your life, it was like a whirlwind.’ He said, ‘Yeah, and you haven’t stopped talking for two and a half years’.”

According to pals, the pair have been miserable apart. Awwwww…we hope these two can work it all out!